There are lots of people who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, and it is more common in individuals who are overweight, have anatomical problems with the airway, or have relatives who have been diagnosed with the same condition. There are plenty of treatment options available, and one option is to use a CPAP mask. While this mask can be beneficial, there are also side effects that people may experience as well. In some cases, these could result in a CPAP lawsuit, so be sure to find out more if you have experienced problems with your mask. What are some of the most common side effects that people need to know about?
Issues Falling Asleep at Night
One of the most common issues that people experience with a CPAP mask is problems falling asleep at night. The entire purpose of the mask is to make it easier for you to get the sleep you need. If you have obstructive sleep apnea, your airway collapses in the middle of the night, causing you to wake up. When you continuously wake up during the night, your body does not get a chance to recharge. Unfortunately, there are some situations where a mask can actually make it harder for you to sleep at night. You might have a difficult time finding a comfortable position, and you might not like the feeling of the mask on your face. There are different styles available, so make sure you review all of your options before you make a decision.
Pressure Sores and Skin Irritation
Another common issue that people experience involves pressure sores and skin irritation. You need to find a CPAP mask that sits on your face comfortably. If the mat is too tight, it can cause pressure sores to develop under your skin. The irritation can even lead to severe injuries. Most CPAP masks are easy to adjust, so do not hesitate to play around with the settings to see which ones work best for your needs. If you can minimize skin irritation, you can reduce your chances of developing pressure sores. You may even want to reach out to a doctor who can help you deal with some of the pressure sores that might develop.
A Dry Mouth
Finally, you might notice that your mouth is starting to dry out as well. If there is a steady stream of air flowing from the mask into your mouth, it will cause your mouth to dry out. Some people even describe this as feeling like there is cotton in the mouth. Even though some lubrication around the CPAP mask can make this problem easier to deal with, it can still be frustrating. If you find that your mouth begins to bleed because it has gotten so dry, you may need to play around with the settings on the mask itself. You may also want to reach out to a doctor who can help you review all of your options. There may be a way to limit this side effect.
Make Sure Your CPAP Mask Works Appropriately
Clearly, there are a lot of people who benefit from this type of mask every day, but there are others who may struggle with it. If you are having problems with your CPAP mask, you should reach out to a professional who can help you. There are different options available, and you should make sure you are aware of all of your choices before you make a decision. Finally, do not forget to reach out to an attorney who can review your case if you believe your mask has injured you or caused you to fall ill.